Deborah Akinyosoye
President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Mike Ejeagha, one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language, who passed on to eternity on Friday at 95.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, noted that Mike Ejeagha used his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations.
“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” said Tinubu.
The President commended the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the music icon while still alive.
President Tinubu prayed to God Almighty to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort to all who mourn his loss.
Similarly, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has mourned the passing of Nigerian highlife icon, Mike Ejeagha, describing him as a “storyteller, teacher, and guardian of Igbo oral tradition.”
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the news to journalists on Saturday.
In a heartfelt tribute shared via his official social media handles, Atiku wrote, ”Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician; he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of Igbo oral tradition.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Popularly called “Gentleman” for his calm demeanour and lyrical grace, Ejeagha was recently brought back into the public eye through a heartfelt visit by comedian and skit maker, Brain Jotter.
The entertainer’s engagement with the ageing legend helped rekindle public appreciation for his work.
Atiku’s tribute partly read, ”It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn,” referencing his signature sound and the emotional wave of support that followed the viral visit.
Ejeagha celebrated for his folkloric lyrics, proverbs, and didactic storytelling style, is a towering figure in Nigerian music.
His influence spanned generations, with many of his songs serving as cultural touchstones in Igbo-speaking communities and beyond.
Ejeagha’s musical career, which spanned over six decades, produced a rich catalogue of songs known for their deep wisdom, philosophical tone, and traditional instrumentation.